House Dems Vote to Restore Educator Rights; Call on the Senate to Do the Same!
Yesterday, all 56 Democratic State Representatives voted to restore a number of public employee labor rights taken away by the Engler and Snyder administrations. All 53 Republicans in attendance voted no.
The bills passed in the House restore discipline and discharge, evaluation systems, placement, layoff and recall, merit pay, and the format, timing and number of classroom observations as mandatory subjects of bargaining for K-12 teachers; restore privatization of so-called “non-instructional” staff as a mandatory subject of bargaining for support staff; and restore the right to bargain payroll deduction of dues for all school employees. These bills now go to the Senate for approval.
Also passing was a bill that restores the right of the Detroit Federation of Teachers to bargain wages for teachers hired after September 2019. This bill has already passed the Senate.
We are so close in our fight to restore educators’ bargaining rights! We need your help in two ways:
- Meet us in the lobby of the Michigan State Capitol next Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 9:30am in your AFT Michigan or local union shirts to support our allies in the Senate! This is the last step before it heads to the Governor’s desk – let’s finish this fight strong! Click here for details and to RSVP!
- Tell Your Senator to Pass PERA+ Now! We need to urge our allies in the Senate to pass HB 4233-4, HB 4355-57, and HB 4044, HB 4280 and SB 359) and send it to the Governor’s desk before they leave for summer recess on June 30. Follow the link and send the attached letter to your Senator: Restore Educator Voice NOW
Huron School District Federation of Support Staff Ratifies Contract
The Huron School District Federation of Support Staff ratified a two-year contract that included the largest raises the unit has ever won, according to President Heather Mink. They also secured additional recognized holidays, increased longevity bonuses and stronger seniority protections, as well as restrictions on the district using non-union bus drivers. Congratulations to the hard-working bargaining team and to the entire membership.
3rd Annual AFT Michigan Pride Picnic – June 24
Join together with AFT Michigan’s Queer Caucus for our 3rd annual Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 24, from 3-7pm at Ford Field Park (large shelter – there will be signs) 22051 Cherry Hill, Dearborn, MI. This is a relaxed, friendly gathering with typical picnic fare, games/art/music, and more. Free and convenient parking along with restrooms, shade, playground and paved paths.
This event is open to everyone (LGBTQ+ union members, as well as supportive non-LGBTQ+ allies in our union community).
Please RSVP here so we can plan for food and other fun activities. Contact Erin Lavin for more information (elavin@aftmichigan.org).
Social Media Impact on Students
The AFT is working with partner organizations to issue a report on what social media platforms need to do to protect kids. As part of that process, the national union is hoping to identify teachers and school nurses, psychologists and/or counselors who would be willing to share their story and potentially be quoted in the report. The focus would be on how social media is impacting their ability to educate and keep children safe/the impact social media is having on their students. If you’d be interested in participating, please contact ddobbie@aftmichigan.org.
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $1 a week to aid us in this fight? Please visit the AFT Michigan website to contribute and make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
In solidarity,
David Hecker
President
